Reason #736 (Or So) Why I Am Still A Jerichoholic

As many of you may or may not know, I'm a bit of a professional wrestling fan. I got hooked as a kid, and have never really gotten away from it, even when I find myself groaning at how ridiculous it can get from time to time. One guy that I've been a fan of for a very long time is Chris Jericho. He's done a few things "outside the ring" that I've enjoyed as well, such as forming a metal band with a group of rocker friends, hosting a game show last summer, and writing a couple of books.

So, as one might expect after that last paragraph, I'm currently reading his new book: Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps (the follow-up to the immensely enjoyable 2006's A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex. In it, there's a great passage about his experiences at the 2002 NHL Awards Show. He talks about a mildly illicit affair in a closet with the Stanley Cup, then gives the following summary of his first impression of the show hall:

The attendees of the awards show were milling around, exchanging stories and kibitzing with each other. Here was Jarome Iginla talking to Patrick Roy. There was Scotty Bowman sharing a laugh with Cam Neely. On the dance floor, Moe Mantha was breakdancing with Harold Snepsts. And over in the corner, Gary Bettman was playing with a brightly colored ball of yarn.

Even in a prelude to a story about getting to meet Wayne Gretzky, there's room for a little jab at Ol' Gary. Nice job, Mr. Jericho.

Oh, and so far the book is a damn entertaining read as well, whether or not you enjoy wrestling. It's full of entertaining, occasionally off-the-wall tales about life at home and on the road from a guy who's been both a pro wrestling superstar and a not-quite superstar rock & roll frontman who's rubbed elbows with some iconic people in both circles and beyond.

T-Minus 10 Games And Counting

Beginning with tonight's game against the Rangers, there are only 10 home games left for the Washington Capitals in the 2010-11 season. Last time I checked (and I'm not a journalist, so I didn't check TOO hard), the Caps have only won five home games since the first of December, 2010. It's been a rough stretch with a lot more consolation gatherings afterward as opposed to victory celebrations. The fact that the losses have run the gamut from the hard-fought toughie to the hard to stomach might have taken some of the sheen of invincibility that many of us felt about F Street for a good little while there.

It would be nice to see some of the renewed vigor that they've shown over the last few games, coupled with a bit of a vacation from the familiarity (that started to breed some contempt, especially after that loss to the Kings) of the F Street Arena, start a completely different trend as the last chapter of the season gets underway.

I have a gut feeling that we might not see anything of note happen on Monday, so it's very likely up to the troops currently assembled to get it going. Can they? If there's a good time to find out, it sure seems like it would be now. Much like I was during the last season of Lost, I'm starting to get a little antsy to get some of those answers I've been patiently waiting for since last April. (Fingers are again crossed to avoid Barney Gumble in a clown suit.)

Seriously. Let's go, Caps!